Overview
You may be tempted to clone existing assets to save time. This can create problems over time. Themes and modules give you more control. They help you keep content consistent and current.
This article explains why using themes is the better approach.
Cloning Makes Content Harder to Manage
Cloning creates a separate copy of an existing asset. The cloned asset does not update when the original content changes.
What Happens When You Clone
When you clone an asset:
You may reuse outdated modules.
You must update each cloned asset manually.
You may miss the latest improvements.
Why Themes Are Better
When you use a theme:
You start with the most up-to-date content.
You use approved modules.
You reduce manual updates.
You make it easier to keep assets consistent.
Cloning Copies Everything
Cloning copies more than the layout or structure. It also copies details from the original asset.
These details can include:
Links
Alternate text (alt text), which describes an image for people using screen readers
Custom settings
Existing content
Risks of Copying Existing Details
When you clone an asset:
You may forget to update important details.
Old links may remain in the asset.
Incorrect alternate text may be reused.
Old settings may carry over without you noticing.
How Themes Help
Themes give you a clean, controlled starting point. Use themes to:
Avoid hidden errors.
Start with approved content.
Reduce the chance of reusing outdated information.
Themes Keep Your Brand Consistent
Themes help you control how your brand appears across your assets.
With themes, you can:
Apply brand rules across your emails.
Control which modules are available.
Remove outdated content.
Make approved content easy to reuse.
What Happens With Cloned Assets
Cloned assets can continue using old content after your standards change.
This means:
Old modules may stay in circulation.
Updates are harder to enforce.
Your assets may no longer follow current brand standards.
Key Benefit
Themes help you manage content at scale. You can give content creators approved building blocks while maintaining a consistent look across your assets.
When to Use Themes vs Cloning
Use Case | Recommended Approach |
Create new emails | Use themes |
Maintain brand consistency | Use themes |
Reuse structure only | Use modules |
Duplicate exact one-off content | Cloning (limited use) |
Need more help? Contact support via live chat within Knak using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner or email support@knak.com.